Archivists
SOC Code: 25-4011
Archivists carries a 45% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $61,570 and +3.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 9,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 45% AI exposure, Archivists sits 8 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 81% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Archivists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Archivists has ai exposure of 45%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Archivists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Archivists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Archivists (SOC 25-4011) carries an AI exposure score of 45%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 9,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.8% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $61,570, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Archivists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
- 2. Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
- 3. Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
- 4. Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
- 5. Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
- 6. Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.
- 7. Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.
- 8. Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.
- 9. Locate new materials and direct their acquisition and display.
- 10. Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Service Orientation
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- History and Archeology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Law and Government
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Communications and Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Archivists?
Archivists has an AI exposure score of 45%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Archivists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Archivists is projected to grow by 3.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 9,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Archivists?
Key skills for Archivists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Archivists earn?
The median annual wage for Archivists is $61,570, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Archivists?
The typical entry-level education for Archivists is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Archivists?
Archivists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).